Astarion

Creation and development

Astarion was created and primarily written by senior writer Stephen Rooney, and voiced and motion captured by English actor Neil Newbon. Newbon stated that he was heavily influenced by commedia dell’arte, particularly the amoral jester Arlecchino. He adapted Astarion's mannerisms from several friends and creative individuals, including makeup artist Leendert Van Nimwegen, actor Giles Foreman, and cabaret performer Reuben Kaye. Newbon developed some vampiric aspects from a local stray cat, noting the cat's movements and how it would allow closeness before suddenly withdrawing.

He acknowledged the importance of exploring abuse through Astarion's questline, stating that people have told him they felt inspired to deal with their own trauma, and as a survivor himself, he understood when they said they felt seen by the game. Newbon mentioned that as a method actor, he forced himself to use only memories at least seven years old. He was given creative freedom with heavy themes and found it fascinating to play a character who initially appears decadent and manipulative but is actually deeply traumatized.

He praised the character's pansexuality and noted that an intimacy coordinator was available for all performers during sex scenes.

Appearances

Astarion is a High Elf rogue and vampire spawn first introduced in Baldur's Gate 3. Players can choose him as an origin character or recruit him as a companion. If not selected as the player character, he is found near the crashed Nautiloid ship and asks for help killing a monster, which turns out to be a boar. He threatens the player, suspecting them of working with the Mind Flayers, but relents after the shared Illithid parasite clarifies matters. He then joins the party in seeking a cure. During adventuring, he comments on events, generally approving of displays of power, cruelty, snarkiness, deception, and choices supporting independence or autonomy. He disapproves of weakness and certain unrewarded acts of kindness, and resents players who try to control or restrict him.

Critical reception

Fans cited his heartthrob features, sassy quips, and enjoyable romance arc, while others identified with his story as a survivor of trauma and considered him a comfort character. Neil Newbon noted that it was incredibly touching when people said Astarion's story made them feel seen. Astarion ranked highly on numerous best character lists. Jessica Fillby of Dexerto placed him in S-tier alongside Karlach and Shadowheart, citing his vampiric charm and charisma.

Matthew Byrd of Den of Geek ranked him the game's fourth best companion, noting his story is compelling from the start. Katelyn Mitchell Jewett of Game Rant declared him one of the game's best companions for his complex story, usefulness, romance, and unique take on the central conflict. Carrie Talbot of the same publication praised the characterization for revolutionizing the morality system in roleplaying games. In 2024, a BAFTA poll of around 4,000 respondents named Astarion the seventeenth most iconic video-game character of all time.